In this blog, it is my privilege to talk about the amazing love G-d has for all human beings.  Oh my friends, His love is so beautiful and much more stable than human love.  The love G-d has for human beings is powerful (words cannot define it properly); the love I will speak of in this blog is the love we have access to (at least on a small scale) when we have faith in the Messiah (please understand G-d loves nonbelievers as well as people of faith in the Messiah).

I am writing this blog because my eyes are opening to the meaning of His love, and I want to share with others His truth.  I pray for those of the Jewish faith and other faiths to hang in there as I believe the love of G-d, through the Messiah, is a very important subject.  As I delve into the word of G-d on a deeper level through meditation, I am finding more understanding of His word.  I have meditated on a New Testament scripture about the love of G-d; this lovely scripture is understood to be written by John, who was a disciple of the Messiah.  He knew first hand the love of G-d through the Messiah.  This scripture says, “We have come to know and have believed the love which G-d has for us.  G-d is love and the one who abides in love, abides in G-d, and G-d abides in Him.  By this, love is perfected in us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgement, because as He is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love” (1 John 4:16-18 NASB).

I cannot speak on the subject of the wonderful love of G-d without speaking about the Holy Spirit, please hang in there, those of you who are of Jewish faith or another faith, as I know this subject can be triggering.  This subject is important in understanding how people of faith in the Messiah can know the love of G-d (at least in a small way).  To those who are new to hearing about the Spirit, the Holy Spirit dwells inside each believer, when he or she proclaims their faith in the Messiah.  It is written in the New Testament, the Messiah promised His disciples (and future believers), He would give them the gift of the Holy Spirt to be a “counselor” and a “comforter” to them, when He was no longer present in the world.  The Messiah also said about the Holy Spirit or “Helper” that it will teach them all things, and remind them of all the Messiah said to them (John 14:26 NASB).  The “Helper” will therefore, teach them, and those in future generations, what John is talking about when he says in scripture, “you will know and begin to believe in the love G-d has for you” (1 John 4:16 NASB ).  Therefore, for those who have faith in the Messiah, the Spirit will open their eyes to the truth of the love of G-d.  As I stated earlier, G-d loves both believers and nonbelievers, I was a nonbeliever for most of my adult life and I believe G-d did love me; though believers have access to the Holy Spirit (this understanding helps believers be able to comprehend the word  of G-d, which teaches about His love, more clearly).

When I meditate on the words “G-d is love” from 1 John 4:16, I begin to realize G-d is not condemning, judgmental or punishing; He is love.  The world can be a condemning place; we may learn to condemn ourselves through our families criticism of us, and we may project unto G-d what we believe about ourselves, that we are not worthy of His love.  Condemnation is a lie, as we learn through faith in Him.  G-d gave the world a gift of the Messiah so humans could be free from a “yoke of slavery.”  In His word, it is stated, “It was for freedom that the Messiah set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).  Having a “yoke of slavery” means being a slave to the Mosaic law (trying to gain righteousness from the law given in the Old Testament).  The Messiah, and not the law (though some from the Messianic Jewish faith believe there is an obligation to follow some of the laws in the OT) frees us from the “bondage to sin.”  This “bondage” keeps us trapped in regret and shame, and it keeps us from knowing the forgiveness and love of G-d.

There are many false beliefs and attitudes in this world keeping us in the “bondage of sin.”   We are in a “bondage to sin” when we are burdened with anger, hurt, and fear.  The reason for this is because emotions at times contribute to our lack of forgiveness and can harden our hearts to the love of G-d.  G-d gives us His grace (mercy), He forgives us and others, and we need to accept His grace.  In His grace we are free of all “bondage” through the death of the Messiah.  We need to pray to G-d to help us forgive others as He has forgiven us of our sins.  This is not to say, we should accept abuse, healing takes time and there is no condemnation (if we give our anger to G-d) for our lack of forgiveness.  G-d will help always with what we cannot do in our own strength.

The world is a very lonely place, human beings commit sin and we will suffer hardships from the sins of others.  The Bible does not say we will not have trials in this world; nor does the Bible say because we have trials, we are not loved by G-d.  It is actually the opposite, G-d loves us so much and He is with us in our suffering.  “He is close to the broken hearted” even at the times when we do not feel His presence (Psalm 34:18 NASB).  When we cry out to G-d, like King David, G-d will hear us.

The “perfect love” of G-d is a love without judgement, love “casts out” any fear of punishment (1 John 4:18 NASB), and when we focus on His love, we are stronger through Him.  Fear causes us to give into temptation, but His love can help us resist temptation.  Even when we give into temptation, however, He still loves us, and our repentance will bring us closer to Him.  It is important to believe the truth in His Word, that we are loved and not condemned; and we can be confident on the “day of judgement” (1 John 4:17 NASB).  

Another type of “bondage to sin,” that keeps us from the love of G-d, is the “bondage” caused by needing the approval of man.  This “bondage” can lead us to trust in man more than G-d, which leads to idolatry.  The “bondage” of needing approval from man causes us to condemn ourselves for not being acceptable according to the world’s standards.  We then compare ourselves to others, and this leads us to judge ourselves when we do not measure up to the world.  The world can keep us in this “bondage” as it tempts us to strive to be popular and to be accepted by the world’s standards.  We become depressed when we feel we cannot live up to what we think we are “supposed” to be, according to our families or the world.  This high standard is not of G-d, G-d does not base the love He has for us according to the way we appear to the world.  We are not valued by Him according to our actions or deeds.  His love is based on who we are, as His children.  Our confidence is because we are His, and is not because we have self-esteem in the world’s eyes.  The needing of others approval can lead to depression and the symptom of depression may be a sign someone is condemning themselves; please know G-d does not condemn us, though He does want us to confess of our sins.  As a therapist, I would recommend you seek help from a caring therapist, if depression is in the way of living the life you want to lead.  It is also important to know that a contributing factor to depression may be the false beliefs we have about ourselves.  

Why is it difficult for people to believe in a Messiah who frees us from a “bondage to sin”?  The Bible talks about the “serpent” or the “enemy” who tempted Adam and Eve to eat from the fruit of the “tree of knowledge” (Genesis 3:1).  Truthfully, the “serpent” or the “enemy” did not want them to be close to G-d.  Today we also suffer from temptation from the “enemy” discussed in the Bible.  The “enemy” wants us to continue being “bonded to sin,” so it keeps us from knowing the truth about the love of G-d and blinds people so they cannot see the truth.  Once you come to the Messiah, your eyes start opening.  I did not want to see the truth, as I had guilt about believing in the Messiah because of my Jewish faith; I was terrified G-d would not approve of this decision.  I am glad I did believe, however, as the Messiah’s grace and mercy transforms our hearts for the better; and He bring us His peace (please read my first blog).

In utilizing the Word of G-d, we can parse away our false beliefs of condemnation and worldly expectation. We will then understand the difference between His love and human love.   Human love is wavering, the love of G-d is consistent.  His love has no expectation, unlike human love, and we do not need to do anything to have Him love us.  If you feel, as I have, that you have searched for many ways to fill up the void in your life, and nothing does, than know that this is because the only thing that can fill us up is G-d’s love, and we can know this love through faith in the Messiah.  The type of love that comes from G-d, no human being can give to us, not even those people we are closest to.  He loves us much more than we can ever understand, and only by knowing His love and having Him fill up our void, can we learn to let go of the need for approval of man.  You do not have to be a believer to pray to G-d and for Him to hear you, I encourage you to pray and ask Him if there is truth in the Messiah; and to show you the way.  I ask that you become mindful of your mind’s beliefs about yourself and the lies you are hearing; ask G-d to show you the truth of who you are through the Messiah; “trust in the L-rd with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Be patient, as it can take time; remember He is patient with us and wants what is best for us.  G-d bless to you all in your journey of truth finding.  

This blog came about after reading 2 Chronicles, a Bible Book in the Old Testament; in reading the Old Testament, I get a clear view of the expectations of G-d in Biblical times, as these times are a window into His expectations for us in modern times.  In Biblical times there were laws G-d commanded the Israelites to follow, and G-d was clear in His covenant with them, there would be consequences for not following these laws.  For example in Deuteronomy 11:13-17 (Complete Jewish Bible) G-d asked the Israelites to love Him with “all their heart and all their being,” but if they “served other gods and worshipped them,” than He said “He will shut up the sky, so that there will be no rain (for their crops).” 

Reading the Old Testament brings to mind conversations I have had with people who do not believe in the accuracy of Biblical teachings.  There are those who believe in G-d but may not agree with man having “sinful natures”; they may also question why G-d would have such high expectations for the Israelites, and why their actions may not seem to be equal in value to the harsh consequences they received.  It seems people often find it challenging to have faith in the G-d of the Old Testament and often do not agree with the way sin and it’s consequences are depicted in the Bible. This paper is to answer the question, as much as I can, as to why the Biblical view of sin and consequences for sin makes the most sense.  

The Bible speaks of people who are “fallen” and the human struggle with sin.  As a matter of fact, one does not get very far in the Bible, to realize man has an issue with sin.  Of course, in the Old Testament, it is the story of Adam and Eve that first highlights man’s “sinful nature.”  Adam and Eve did not obey G-d and the consequence of their sin was to be removed from access to the tree of life, the tree would have provided them a life free of death.  The consequence, one that has an effect on all humanity, is a catastrophic repercussion from eating a piece of fruit.  Why was this sin such a big deal?   Perhaps because they believed in the lie of a tempter, rather than G-d, whom they were privileged to have a relationship with.  Therefore G-d, who still loved them, had to seal their fate with a severe consequence, to teach mankind to keep our eyes on Him, and not to be seduced by the things of this world.   

There are those, as stated earlier, who do not believe humans have “sinful natures.”  The argument in favor of our having “sinful natures” states when Adam and Eve disobeyed G-d; they were no longer good, and therefore, became sinful.  An alternative view states when Adam and Eve disobeyed G-d, they were no longer considered Holy, and were cut off from their relationship with G-d.  What I understand from this view is they had something taken away from them; they lost their relationship with G- d by the choice they made, they had fallen natures but not necessarily sinful natures (Driskell, R. “What is the ‘Sinful Nature’?  A Bible Study.”   Retrieved from whatchristianswanttoknow.com).  Some scholars speak of the New Testament’s view of sin, sinful nature is not something inside of man but something outside of man.  This explanation states our flesh or our bodies try to get us to conform to living in a world without G-d, a world where there are temptations to act out in sinful ways. Therefore, we make choices to sin because of our flesh.

In all cases, whether we have “sinful natures,” make choices based on our disconnection from G-d, or our flesh is tempted by the world, as human beings we are continuously being tempted, and giving into these temptations leads to sin.  The consequences for sin are many; but one of the worst consequences is it causes us to be separate from G-d.  We can learn from Adam and Eve’s struggle with temptation, if we have an understanding we may have “sinful natures” or may be disconnected from G-d when we sin; we will be better prepared in the face of temptation.  In the Bible, the tempter of Adam and Eve was a serpent.  In our lives today, there are many tempters or temptations; we make decisions every day whether to give into temptation or not.  The very act of temptation shows our need for G-d, by the way.  Because without G-d, we are without the strength to resist temptation; and we may not have the desire to avoid acting on temptation.

One argument people often state in favor of our not having “sinful natures” is there are good people in the world and good people are proof people are inherently good.  In the Bible there are many people who were considered to be good people, however the Bible depicts them as being human and struggling with sin.  King David was described as having a very good heart, but he made mistakes and suffered the consequences of them, in his life.  The point is just because you are good does not mean we will not struggle with sin.  One could also consider it is impossible to be considered a good person, without G-d (or the Messiah), because we need G-d, as stated above, to help us resist our temptations; and through G-d’s forgiveness we are made new.  

It may be difficult for people to consider we are fallen; meaning we are broken without G-d.  To realize our brokenness, and our need for G-d is when we are most humble and can allow G-d to pick up the pieces and help us achieve wholeness.  If we deny our brokenness, then we deny the fact we do not have the power to change our circumstances on our own.  Even King David realized his need for G-d and cried out to G-d to forgive him, and in his weakness he called on G-d when he needed help. If people believe we are naturally good; rather than seeing humans as having a problem with sin, than it seems to follow they would not realize the need we have of G-d to rescue us from our sins and to forgive us of our sins.  When we can be honest about our need for G-d; it is a gift because it has the potential of drawing us closer to G-d.  

The second question to understanding sin and its relationship to G-d in the Biblical sense, would be to ponder what responsibility do we bear when we sin and whether the consequences of our sin are warranted?  In the Old Testament, G-d gave the Israelites laws to follow, as discussed earlier; these were given to Moses on Mount Sinai.  In the Mosaic covenant, G-d promises “to make the Israelites his treasured possession among all the people” (Exodus 19:5) and “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6) if they follow G-d’s commandments (Covenant (Biblical). Retrieved from en.m.wikipedia.org).  Therefore, in the Bible, G-d spells out to the Israelites there will be consequences for their actions.  It is important to understand when considering the responsibility we bear for our sins, to answer the question, why did G-d at times in the Bible respond with anger when the Israelites did not follow His commandments concerning idolatry (as an example)?  G-d wanted to make His people Holy; for the Jews to follow His ways and bring up a people who worship Him and respect His commandments.  His love for His people is shown by His making a covenant with them, and in order to protect them, He needed to keep His people separate from those who believed in other gods, as these people were committing sins.  His anger with them, therefore, is understandable when you consider the consequences of the Israelites allowing unholy people in their lives.  We can learn, in the modern day, the expectations G-d has for us from reading about the Israelites (please read my fourth blog).  He wants a relationship with us too, and wants us to follow His ways, and He will keep His promises to us when we seek Him and put our faith in Him.  

The beauty of a relationship with G-d is He forgives us, our humility when we repent of our sins brings us closer to Him and in relationship with Him.  The G-d of the Old Testament loved the Israelites very much; and He loves us in the same way.  There were many examples of times when His people cried out to Him for forgiveness; when they submitted humbly to Him, He softened His anger toward them.  For example, in 2 Chronicles, “King Hizkiyahu was a king who did what was right from G-d’s perspective” (2 Chronicles 29:2 Complete Jewish Bible); however he had grown proud and took an unfavorable action in the eyes of G-d, and brought anger from G-d onto Judah and Jerusalem.  Hizkiyahu and the people of Jerusalem humbled themselves before G-d; and G-d heard and did not strike the people of Judah or Jerusalem during the lifetime of King Hizkiyahu (2 Chronicles 32:25-26 CJB).  King Yoshiyahu also obeyed G-d and he humbled himself and asked for forgiveness for the Israelites who were not following His covenant (a scroll of the Torah was found which revealed the King’s people were not following G-d’s ways as outlined in the Torah) (2 Chronicles 34:14-20 CJB).  G-d listened to their prayers and gave them grace during the lifetime of Yoshiyahu (2Chronicles 34:27-28 CJB).  The point is G-d rewarded their humility; though because they did not honor the covenant, the descendants were held responsible for the sins of their ancestors. The good news is we have a loving G-d who forgives us; and if we pray to Him and are humble to Him; He can forgive us and can help us change our ways, and our hearts can be transformed.

It would seem relevant to consider in this blog, what some religious leaders may be asking at this time, whether the current pandemic has been allowed to happen as a consequence of sin.  This question is reasonable because there were times in the Old Testament when people suffered from plagues as a consequence of sin.  I want to say emphatically, G-d would never intentionally cause the pandemic to happen or people to suffer because of it.  However, if we believe in Biblical truths, we have to ask ourselves in this country whether G-d is allowing the pandemic to happen because we are engaging in sin that could be affecting our relationship with Him.  G-d loves us and will forgive us of our sins when we sincerely repent of them, as He very much wants us to seek Him for forgiveness.  We can also ask G-d, regarding the pandemic, “what is He trying to say to us,” as the Rabbi suggested at the congregation I attend, this question will help us make sure we are doing everything possible to grow in relationship with Him.

In conclusion, the ways of the Bible, even though written thousands years ago, have so much to do with our lives today.  We can either choose to follow G-d or man.  Personally, I am thankful we have a forgiving G-d who loves us.  I have found in times of struggling, when I focus on the world and not on G-d, life can be painful.  Furthermore, I am only truly fulfilled when focusing on Him and following His ways.  Following Him does not mean we will live a life free of pain as we live in a broken world.  Also, we all struggle with sin because we are human.  However, G-d will make our hearts pure by following His ways and by forgiving us.  To those who struggle with scrupulosity, an anxiety condition, where one never feels freely forgiven of sins, G-d does forgive you of your sins; and this article is not to increase people’s guilt about sins they have committed.  G-d is very forgiving; and if we ask He will forgive us; even if we do not feel like He has. 

The relationship of G-d through the Messiah is a way for us not be alone; because often in the world we are alone.  And this relationship is much more important than anything the world gives us.  I pray for those of you who are uncertain about G-d or the Messiah, that you pray to be shown the truth.  He will show you as He loves you too.  His love is not just for people who believe in Him but He is ready and waiting for those who do not believe to seek Him.  May you find Him in these difficult times. 

The fifth blog was written before the pandemic, though I recently made a  few changes, and discusses the political division in our country; and how our problems of division would be resolved, if we focus our attention on whom our ultimate leader is.  This blog asks you, the reader, to view the importance of turning our focus on G-d, rather than man.  This is something important to look at, especially as life in our country is growing more and more unstable.  

I was talking to a friend (before the pandemic) about the current state of politics in America; she mentioned to me a conflict she had with a client regarding their different points of view on politicians; her client favored one political candidate, and she favored the other.  As her and I were talking, I noticed I wanted to interrupt her, to insist she hear my point of view.  I wanted to let her know I did not agree with her and why.  The discussion was not going anywhere, something in me was getting in the way of listening to her point of view.  I stopped the conversation and asked a question for her and I to think about, where is G-d in this conversation?  I had realized pride was getting in the way of my listening to her; and that I needed to see her and her viewpoints from the perspective of G-d.  

This conversation was a blessing for me and I thank my friend for her contribution in the discussion.  I realized afterwards the problem of the political division in our country could be rectified if we change our focus from politicians to G-d.  This blog is not in favor of the right, nor is it in favor of the left.  However, it is in favor of G-d,.  

Why do I say the problem of political division in our country is about our lack of focus on G-d?  I believe, if we are not focused on G-d, then we will look to people as idols.  It is human nature to want to make politicians idols. As people, we rely on the actions of our politicians to give us a sense of security and naturally want to be able to trust them.  It is good, of course to have our president make decisions that are best for our families and our country, however, we need to be dependent on G-d, for He can handle those areas, like the pandemic, humans cannot control.  The Old Testament, written in the wisdom of G-d, says “it is better to take refuge in the L-rd than to trust in man” (Psalms 118:8 New American Standard Bible).  Of course if one does not believe in G-d, they would be terrified to have a politician in office who appears to be unstable.  Even those of us who believe in G-d, can forget He is the ultimate authority; and the One in control.  And at times when we feel afraid, we may find we too are looking to a politician to give our lives a sense of control.  Perhaps we are trying to gain control in an uncertain world, when we are arguing with our friends about politics and dismissing friendships, based on their beliefs.  This division, in my opinion, means we are not really seeing the real problem; our lack of faith in G-d. 

The truth is the L-rd, if we believe in Him, is the ultimate politician.  The Old Testament says “The L-rd is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my G-d, my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:1 NASB).  We are not meant to make men our idols; we are meant to only have G-d as our leader.  You may think, and rightly so, we have in our country, a responsibility to make sure the office of presidency is held by the best candidate, one who has admirable qualifications.  This is our responsibility, and in our democracy we have the right to vote for whom we think is the best person.  However, once they get in office; it is for our benefit if we leave the control of the country, into the hands of G-d; and to trust in Him as our leader.  Furthermore, when we look to a person as the answer; it is not productive and will only cause fear in ourselves because humans are frail, and they will fail us.   

Another truth is, which is hard for us to admit, we are broken without G-d.  We being human, tend to blame others for our own weaknesses.  I believe until we become aware of our own shortcomings, we will keep electing political leader’s that will reflect our own weaknesses.  In other words, the problem, if we look at the bigger picture, is in us and not in our presidential candidates.  Why do I say that?  Because we live in a culture that prioritizes freedom and independence; and our culture often overlooks Biblical values.  The fact we, as a country, are so divided in our political views, may mean we are putting the leader of our country before G-d.  My hope for America is that we wake up and see this truth.  When we put our focus on man, we may be inviting situations into our country that are not of G-d.  When we focus on G-d, then we will be more likely to bring goodness and things of a Spiritual nature into our country.  

In the Old Testament, G-d uses the prophet Samuel to warn the Israelites of what happens when they put their faith in a leader, that is not G-d.  In the Old Testament, the Israelites told Samuel the prophet they wanted “a king to judge us like all the nations” (1Samuel 8:5 Complete Jewish Bible).  G-d says to Samuel in response, “they are rejecting Me; they do not want me to be king over them” (1Samuel 8:6 CJB).  Samuel said to the Israelites of their request, “you will cry out on account of your king, whom you yourselves chose.  But when that happens, G-d will not answer you” (1Samuel 8:18 CJB).  The Israelites did not listen to Samuel and insisted on having a king.  The Israelites put their focus on man and not on G-d, teaching us a lesson on what can happen when we make men idols (please see blog four on learning from the experiences of the Israelites).  The new king was Saul, he started out as obedient to the L-rd but ultimately King Saul did not obey G-d.  

G-d had Samuel show the Israelites the fear they should have had of G-d by causing rain during harvest time.  Samuel said to the Israelites “Now is wheat harvest time.  I am going to call on the L-rd to send thunder and rain.  Then you will understand and see how wicked from the L-rd’s viewpoint is the thing you have done by asking for a king” (1Samuel: 12:17).  Therefore, we can learn from Biblical times that if we are worshiping man rather than G-d; we are rejecting G-d and we may get a leader who is not in line with the values of G-d, and there may be consequences for us on our lack of focus on G-d.   

In summary, the point of this blog is to get people to focus on G-d as the answer to the insecurity we feel in today’s uncertain world and political climate; and to solve the problem by looking at ourselves and our relationship to G-d.  We are all helpless without G-d because we are of the flesh.  Until we honor G-d and obey His commandments; it is not helpful to argue about who is the best  political candidate.  I will further add that political arguments and focusing on political leaders, rather than G-d, is a distraction by the “enemy” and is a temptation that has the purpose of keeping our eyes off of G-d.  We should be using our energies instead to pray for our country and it’s leaders; and to pray for obedience to G-d, and His precepts.  

My fourth blog intends to illustrate how reading about the trials of the Israelites, in the Old Testament of the Bible, can be of benefit to Jews (and Gentiles); as the Israelites relationship with G-d teaches the importance of trusting in Him, obeying Him and following His commandments. I will also use an example from my own life; of how His Word is teaching me to learn from the Israelites.  And finally I will discuss my perspective on one reason I believe the Messiah was given as a gift to the Jews (and to the world) by G-d.  

This blog came about as I was recently searching the Bible application on my iPad for Psalms of Praise.  I am learning the importance of praising G-d, and I came across Psalm 106 in my search.  I was amazed how this Psalm had spoken to me (as G-d’s Word often does) about something I was struggling with that day.  In reading about the Israelites, we can discern how the anxiety and uncertainty of their lives led them, at times, to turn to man made idols as substitutes for G-d.  The anxiety and uncertainty in the present day (even before the pandemic) often leads modern man to turn to different types of idols.  Today’s idols come in many shapes and sizes; drugs, people, things, food, appearance and success.  These things are very tempting, as the world is empty without G-d; and when we give into these things, we often invite more distress. I speak of experience and know how it is to focus on things or people as a substitute for G-d.  

We will first look at the verses in Psalm 106 to discover the lessons the Israelites can teach us about staying on G-d’s righteous path.  The title of Psalm 106 in the New American Standard Bible Version is “Israel’s Rebelliousness and the L-rd’s Deliverance.”  This title illustrates how G-d so loves His people; even in their fallenness, and about G-d’s promise, He will deliver them from sin.  His faithfulness is why the Psalmist gives thanks to the L-rd for His love as in the first verse of the Psalm, “Praise the L-rd, Oh Give thanks to the L-rd, for He is good: For His lovingkindness is everlasting” (NASB).  Like the Israelites, modern man also has a propensity to sin; and despite this, He loves us too and promises us He will deliver us and forgive us of our sins.  We need this verse’s reminder of who G-d is, because in the flesh, we can forget how much He loves us.  And when we forget Him, we are more persuaded to give into temptation. The Psalmist asks in verse 5 that “His people may see the prosperity of their chosen ones.  And that may they have glory in His inheritance (the covenant).”  G-d ’s character is loyal and He will remember His promises to His people; and this verse teaches us He will remember us.  

Verses 6 through 46 of Psalm 106 describes how the Israelites sinned against G-d and how He forgives them and rescues them, however, it also describes how the Israelites forget His promises and what He has done for them.  Verses 6 and 7 admits to our sinful nature and how it is passed on to generations, “We have sinned like our fathers, we have committed iniquity, and behaved wickedly.  Our Fathers in Egypt did not understand your wonders; they did not remember your abundant kindnesses but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.”  Verses 8 and 9 remind us we have a faithful G-d, “Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name, that He might make His power known.  Thus He rebuked the Red Sea and it dried up.”  In verse 10, “G-d saved them from the hand of the one who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.”  And in verse 12, “Then they (the Israelites) believed His words, and they sang His praise.” In this verse they were able to remember who He was and His goodness but verse 13 says “The Israelites quickly forgot His works.  They did not wait for His counsel.” There seems to be a pattern here of the Israelites failure to trust in G-d, and lack of faith can be a stumbling block in our own lives too.  

Verse 14 is very important as it is a warning to human beings about the power of temptation, “But they craved intensely in the wilderness.  And tempted G-d in the desert.”  Here we see how human craving can lead to sin when it causes us to focus on our own needs rather than focusing on G-d and His goodness.  The Israelites in verse 14 were focused on wanting the “better food” they ate in Egypt, rather than on G-d and the gift He was offering them.  Perhaps the “better food” was an idol to them as they were not appreciating G-d’s provision of food.  I wonder too if the desire for “better food” was because they were feeling emotionally empty (this void can only be filled by G-d and not in having “better food”).  In any case, we have to remember that our cravings can cause us to ignore G-d and to forget about His grace; He is the answer to what is missing in our lives.  

The next verses of Psalm 106, illustrates there are consequences to our sins.  The consequences of our sins in modern day life, may not be as life-threatening as they were in Biblical times; but we will have consequences.  Their lives were threatened in ancient times because G-d was trying to guide the Israelites to be Holy, as an example to other nations, and to show Himself as omnipresent.  These verses also show how emotions can cause us to act in ways that are not of G-d.  In verses 16 to 20, we see the consequences of the Israelites envy and distraction with things of the world, “When they became envious of Moses in the camp and of Aaron, the Holy one of the L-rd, the earth opened up and swallowed up Dathan,  And engulfed the company of Abiram.  And a fire blazed up in their company and the flame consumed the wicked.  They made a calf in Horeb and worshipped a molten image. Thus they exchanged their glory for the image of an ox that eats grass.”  Verse 21 says “they forgot G-d their Savior.  Who had done great things in Egypt, wonders in the land of Ham and awesome things by the Red Sea.” To reiterate the consequences of the Israelites teach us we should not try to meet our own needs outside of G-d. And they also teach us we need to remember the many blessing G-d has given us, because as human beings we are always wanting more. 

As I shared, I will give an example from my own life of how I learned from reading about the Israelites in Psalm 106; in this case about temptation and G-d’s forgiveness.  My day started well yesterday, however, I noticed I was having the day after birthday blues.  I was experiencing regret and as a result I was feeling restless.  It is not easy to sit with restlessness, and in my experience when emotions are swept under the rug, they can lead to giving into temptation.  As a result, I went online and did some “window shopping,” (this is something I try to do in limited amounts as I can get very stressed from internet surfing), and I ended up spending way too much time on the internet.  Afterwards, I did not feel the peace of G-d I talk about in my earlier blogs.  I actually was feeling angry and dissatisfied.  So what happened in this situation that reminded me of the Israelites?  I had forgotten about G-d in my day, as the Israelites did, “they quickly forgot His works.”  My keeping my eyes off the L-rd lead me to try to fill the void of what was missing. I was looking for something outside of myself to fill me up (therefore looked online for too long), rather than G-d.  And when we are looking for meaning in things or people, which I was doing, this is something that can lead to acting out to fill the void (as the Israelites may have been doing when they were craving “better food).  There is nothing wrong with looking on the internet, but for me it depends on my intention, I have to make sure that I am not using things (in this case) as a way to fill me up (as this never works) but I have to first go to G-d to fill up any emptiness or void.  

So can we get over these temptations on our own?  I believe at times we can, but a lot of temptations are hard wired, and as I stated I would discuss one reason why I believe G-d gave the world the Messiah; it is for the reason that we cannot get over those ingrained temptations on our own and need the help the Messiah offers. Once I realized I was using internet surfing as a way to fill me up, I repented of my sin, and asked for the Messiah to help me, I felt His forgiveness and His peace. I have found the only answer for what is missing in my life is the peace and love of G-d through the Messiah.  When I look to Him, He frees me from my sins and my “idolatry.”  Now I want to add, this is not done overnight but is a constant work with His help.  Furthermore, to those of us who feel depressed, repenting may not immediately give us peace and take away depression, and as a therapist and a human being, I know this is not always the case.  And that is where therapy can be helpful, and also having faith in G-d.  

In summary, we can thank G-d for the experiences of the Israelites because they show us, that G-d is good, and teach us to remember His deeds, and ask His help in obeying His commandments.  It is a gift from G-d we have a Messiah that can forgive our sins and help us with our temptations, and lead us to peace.   Therefore, G-d is a very faithful and loyal G-d and worthy of so much praise.  Hallelujah.  He promises to redeem us, and in verses 47 to 48 of Psalm 106, the Psalmist asks the L-rd to “save us and gather us among the nations.”  Indeed it is prophesied in Isaiah and other places in the Old Testament, the L-rd will keep His covenant with the descendants of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.  Therefore, He will return (in the end of days) the descendants of the House of Israel to the land of Israel. 

I ask, as I have before, that you pray to G-d about whether there is a Messiah and for Him to show you the truth.  Do not take my word for it, but G-d will show you if you seek Him.  I also want to say I believe G-d will hear our prayers if we do not believe in the Messiah, the advantage of the Messiah is that His Spirit (something I have not shared a lot about yet) will give us much needed comfort and peace.  And we need His support in these days, as we are living in difficult times.  

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I became a Messianic Jew about five or six years ago (as discussed in my first blog); after feeling a lifetime of guilt about the possibility of believing in the Messiah.  I never desired to read the Old Testament; perhaps it was due to a rebellion of my faith.  I recently started reading it, I am happy about this as G-d is really opening my eyes to see the truth of His word. My purpose of this article is to discuss how the prophecies in the Old Testament of the Messiah have strengthened my faith in Him. 

To understand the connection between the prophecies in the Old Testament and the coming of the Messiah (the first coming of the Messiah is fulfilled in the New Testament), it is important to give some background on “G-d’s people” in the Old Testament, this part may be a review to some of you, because they take center stage.  G-d made a covenant with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Jacob’s ten son’s and two of his grandchildren made up what is called the twelve tribes of Israel, and a large part of the Old Testament is about these tribes, the Israelites, and G-d’s promise to them they would inherit the land of Canaan (the land where Israel is today). 

The Israelites did inherit the land in Canaan when they arrived (around 1250 BCE); though they were eventually split up between the House of Judah in the Southern Kingdom and the House of Israel in the Northern Kingdom.  Both groups of Israelites were eventually exiled from the land of Canaan because they did not follow G-d’s commandments and committed idolatry; the House of Judah eventually returned from their exile to the land of Canaan.  The House of Israel’s descendants were scattered among the nations and to this day only G-d knows their whereabouts.   

G-d will bring the descendants of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob back to their land, because He keeps His promises.  In the Old Testament there are many prophets speaking prophecies about the return of the descendants of the House of Israel in end times (which will fulfill G-d’s promise); and prophecies about the Messiah as a descendent of David  (from the tribe of Judah) who will rule as King over the final kingdom of Heaven on Earth.  The prophecy of the Messiah’s connection to David was fulfilled in the New Testament, The book of Matthew 1:1 opens with “the record of the genealogy of the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (NASB).  And in the New Testament, Paul mentions that the House of Jacob (both Houses) will be restored in Israel, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.  This is my covenant with them when I take away their sins (he is repeating the prophecy that is in the OT)” (Romans 11:26 NASB).  Furthermore, in an article from the website bible.org it says, “scripture anticipates the regathering of the whole house of Israel from all the tribes.  The book of Revelation even declares that in the time of the Tribulation, 12,000 will come to the Messiah and be sealed from each of the twelve tribes of Israel.  And the Old Testament emphatically declares that G-d will gather Israel, after being scattered all over the earth by dispersions, from even the four corners of the earth” (“Will the Lost Tribes of Israel be found and return to Jerusalem” https://bible.org/question/will-lost-tribes-israel-be-found-and-return-jerusalem).

The Prophet Jeremiah was a prophet in the OT; he had a prophecy of G-d speaking about the return of all the tribes, including the return of the descendants of the House of Israel in end times, “I will cause the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel to return, and will rebuild those places as at the first.  I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me” (Jeremiah 33:7-8 NKJV).  G-d also spoke through the prophet Ezekiel about the descendants of the House of Israel, “I will gather you from the peoples and collect you from the countries where you have been scattered and I will give the land of Israel to you.  Then they will go there and remove all its loathsome things and disgusting practices, and I will give them unity of heart” (Ezekiel 11:17-19).  Malachi (the last book in the OT), who is also a prophet, also speaks of G-d giving a message of promise to the tribes through him, “Return to Me and I will return to you says the L-rd of hosts” (Malachi 3:7 NKJV).  These prophecies speak of G-d forgiving the descendants of the House of Israel for their sin; this is something the Messiah is prophesied to do according to the New Covenant (this will be discussed later).    

Prophets in the OT also spoke, as already discussed, about the Messiah coming from the seed of King David (fulfilled in the NT); and the Messiah’s ruling over the final Kingdom of G-d.  Nathan, a prophet, says to David the words of G-d, in the OT,  “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, he will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.  He shall build a house for My name and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-13 NKJV).  Zechariah, a prophet also in the OT, was given a message by G-d regarding the Messiah’s connection to David and speaking about the Messiah ruling in the final kingdom, “Behold, the Man whose name is Branch; from His place He shall branch out.  And He shall build the temple of the L-rd; He shall bear the glory, and sit and rule on His throne, so He shall be a priest on His throne” (Zechariah 6:12-13 NKJV).  Branch in the OT was a name given to the Messiah.  

Another reason for the prophecies in the Old Testament strengthening my faith in the Messiah is because there are prophesies in the OT about the first (these have been fulfilled) and the second coming of the Messiah (this is also written about in the NT).  The prophet Isaiah of the OT gave the prophecy (it has been fulfilled) about the Messiah, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV).  Isaiah also says in the prophecy, “He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth”  (Isaiah 53:7 NKJV).  David also wrote a Psalm of prophecy about the Messiah (also fulfilled), “Those who hate me without a cause, are more than the hairs of my head.  They are mighty who would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully; Though I have stolen nothing I still must restore it” (Psalms 69:4 NKJV). 

In the OT are prophecies where the Messiah is compared to a cornerstone of a building.  A cornerstone is explained in architecture as the principle stone of a building; therefore the Messiah is the foundation of His people. Isaiah, in the OT, gives a prophecy of the Messiah, “Behold I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.  Whoever believes will not act hastily” (Isaiah 28:16 NKJV).  The prophecy in Psalm 118 of the OT prophesies about the rejection of the Messiah in the NT, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22 NKJV).  The NT describes the Messiah as the foundation of a house, as such the person who listens to Him “is like a man building a house who dug deep and laid the foundation of the rock.  And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house and could not shake it for it was founded on the rock” (Luke 6:48 NKJV).  

In addition, the prophecies in the OT have strengthened my faith in the Messiah because they predict the coming of a New Covenant, as illustrated in the NT, where the Messiah will forgive our sins and where we can develop a relationship with G-d through Him.  The author of the introduction to the Complete Jewish Bible, David H. Stern (1998; 2016), says “The Messiah did not bring the Torah to an end” and interprets Hebrews 8:6 (in the NT) to mean, “the New Covenant has been given as Torah on the basis of better promises” (p. xxxix).  He concludes “this not only strengthens the theological contention that the Torah remains in force, but makes it clear that the New Covenant given through the Messiah is Torah just as much as the Sinaitic Covenant given through Moshe” (p.xxxix).  

Jeremiah, a prophet of the OT, prophesies about the New Covenant when G-d says to him, “Behold the days are coming when I will make a New Covenant with the House of Israel and with the house of Judah, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the L-rd.  But this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days:  I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:31-33 NKJV).  G-d also said through Jeremiah, “for I will forgive their iniquity and their sin I will remember no more” (Jeremiah 31:34 NKJV).  This prophecy speaks of end times and the return of the descendants of the House of Israel; and of forgiveness of their sins.  Ezekiel, a prophet in the OT, also speaks of a New Covenant. He also prophesies of G-d’s New Covenant with the descendants of the House of Israel.  G-d says through Ezekiel, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues, and you will keep My judgements and do them” (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

In summary, the Old Testament is filled with many prophesies that strengthen my faith in the Messiah (there are many more that are not listed in this blog); as they correlate with what the Messiah fulfilled in the New Testament or give prophecy to the descendants returning during the the end times, when the Messiah will come back a second time (also prophesied in the NT); and He will forgive and cleanse them of their sins.  I hope my blog will give you some encouragement to read the Old Testament, if you have not already.  I also hope you will find some inspiration and continue to pray for G-d to open your eyes to see the truth.  I encourage you to pray, even if the Bible does not resonate with you.  Know that G-d is with you and is compassionate; He will show you the way.

References

Stein, D. H.  (1998;2016).  The Introduction to the Complete Jewish Bible.  

Hi all.  This is my second blog.  I appreciate your hanging in there with me.  I am hoping you are finding hope in G-d at this time.  Even if you do not believe in G-d or the Messiah, that is okay.  Keep reading.  I also want to write again for my Jewish brothers and sisters.  Specifically to let them know why I, a Jewish woman, came to believe in the Messiah of the Christian faith; and I will give three reasons for why I came to believe in Him (or why my faith strengthened in Him).

 I came to believe in the Messiah without having read most of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament; perhaps this is an unusual way.  I slowly came to believe in the Messiah when I started reading a book by Dr. Charles Stanley (title in my first blog).  In my reading of this book, I noticed my life experiences seemed similar to what was described in the book (I would not have guessed this since I had not read the New Testament; I would have felt very guilty about doing so).  The first reason, therefore, for my coming to faith in the Messiah is because of the way trials were looked at in the NT; that we will have trials and G-d will use these for good (Romans 8:28); this resonated with me.  

In times of suffering I could see that my suffering had a purpose in G-d’s plan and helped me to get closer to Him.  Dr. Stanley says people can suffer from circumstances because of the sin of others or our own sin; or we can suffer because of tragedies. G-d does not cause tragedies or the sin of other’s to happen but at times they do happen; and these unfortunate situations can help us grow in faith and forgiveness; if we keep our eyes on Him.  

In the NT; the Messiah says “blessed are the people who are poor in Spirit and who are mourning” (Matthew 5:3). It is because their humility helps them get closer to G-d.  I have felt on many occasions when I was in grief; I got closer to Him.   I reached out to Him many times for comfort and He was always there.  Even when we do not feel Him; it is promised in the Bible that He is there.  Also when I suffered from my trials, they made me stronger and put me more in line with G-d’s will for me. We are part of a broken world,  and our suffering can also help us give to other’s the comfort we received from the Messiah; this fits the principle that the suffering, in this case, is being used for good.

The second reason has to do with why my faith in the Messiah strengthened; it is because I started feeling His peace when I was spending time with Him.  I have suffered with anxiety in this world; the peace I felt in my heart from knowing Him I had never experienced before my relationship with Him.  Having a relationship with Him brings us joy as He is our comforter, our helper, and and our teacher.  In my faith in Him, I am never alone; knowing this brings me a feeling of security, as He is my rock, which is important to feel in the world we live in today.  

The world looks at suffering differently than G-d does; the world wants us to believe we have to feel good all the time.  But this is one of the lies of the world; and is not true.  We cannot feel good the way the world wants us to feel (I hope to write more about this) but we can feel good in the Messiah; it is written in His Word that the peace we receive from Him is not the peace we receive from the world (John 14:27).  

I want to add, so no one compares themselves to my experiences; His peace did not happen quickly for me (and is not all the time but is more than how it was before my faith in Him).  I had to be willing to wait for Him and also to give up my old life; meaning give up the unG-dly things my flesh was drawn to.  In my experience this is a constant process.  If I give up those things in my flesh I am drawn to; I am greatly rewarded.  The reason is I now have a friend and a comforter in the Messiah.  He has helped me with some difficult times; I discussed in my first blog I went through a break up of a 12 year relationship.  This was very difficult for me.  Now I am happy it happened because I got closer to Him and it caused me to turn to Him for comfort.  This is one of the many cases He used my suffering for good.

My third reason, also for my increasing faith in Him, is because in reading the word of G-d, in particular the Old Testament (I started reading it in full recently ), I am further convinced the Messiah is who He says He is.  There are many references in the Old Testament to the Messiah of the Christian faith; particularly through the Word of the prophets who speak about Him (I will talk about the ways reading the Old Testament helped me strengthen my faith in the Messiah, in my third blog).  In addition, I had some practice using the Word of G-d before then; I had an experience where I would say a particular scripture before I went to an internship I was doing (I read the scripture to give me strength to be able to complete a goal that was set as I was concerned I would not complete it). The scripture I said gave me the strength to do the work and to complete it.  

G-d can and does open people’s eyes; there are a lot of references in the Bible that people may be blinded to the truth.  I know I was in a lot of denial before I came to faith in Him; and I am grateful He opened my eyes.  This can take some time; and my eyes are still being opened; as I can still have denial.  I pray in all my heart that you will seek G-d.  You can talk to him and ask Him to open your eyes.  In His word He says, “call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).